AAA Mid-Atlantic: NJ gas prices rise sharply

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Motorists are seeing sharply higher prices at the pumps in New Jersey.

AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in the state on Friday was $3.34, up 7 cents from last week. But that’s much lower than the price from a year ago, when motorists were paying $3.63.

The price increase marks the second straight week where pump prices have risen in New Jersey.

The national average price was $3.39, up 5 cents from last week. But that’s much lower than the national average from a year ago, when motorists were paying $3.78.

Analysts say gas prices have risen because seasonal maintenance is getting under way at refineries and crude oil prices have been rising.